Stop feeling brain dead!

Do you feel tired, forgetful, irritable and vague? Your brain might not be getting the love it needs. Here’s how to butter it up.

According to new research*, 85 percent of all Australians suffer the effects of feeling ‘brain dead’, tired and low in energy at least once a week. So what do we do? Reach for the stimulants such as coffee or chocolate.

“Nutrition is clearly not top-of-mind when it comes to ‘treating’ a tired brain,” says Accredited Practising Dietitian Susie Burrell. “It seems we are inclined to seek healthy foods to keep our weight down but far less healthy choices to keep our tired brains awake. Australians need to understand that the brain and body are highly connected – what you do for one can benefit both.”

“You can help your brain by enjoying a balanced family meal that contains important brain nutrients and offers social stimulation, such as steak with 3-4 brightly coloured vegetables. For busy mums they can grab a wrap with lean meat and salad vegies to keep their minds alert throughout the afternoon,” she advised.

So feed your brain the right stuff thanks to these tips from cognitive scientist and brain health expert Mimma Mason and dietitian Susie Burrell.

1. Feed your brain

Choose nutrient-rich foods, such as red meat, and healthy fats from foods including oily fish, olive and sunflower oils, nuts and seeds. Eat plenty of fruit and brightly coloured vegetables every day. The anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in protecting brain cells from the day to day damage that accompany busy lifestyles.

2. Think about why you eat not just what you eat

Identify the emotion and stress drivers that may cause you to eat for comfort and instead use exercise, relaxation or brain training as outlets for stress and mood fluctuations.

Your brain can change with training. Each time you solve a problem you give your brain a workout and form new brain connections. Try new, challenging activities like learning a language or recipe, completing a crossword or Sudoku.

5. Train our feelings too – focus on ‘what works’

Aim to increase your optimism and positivity by focusing on what works for you rather than magnifying your weaknesses. You can change your brain with your thoughts so train yourself to tune into positive thinking by playing games like “e-Catch the Feeling” (available on iphone or at www.brainresource.com)

6. Build supportive relationships

Tune into and try and react to people’s needs rather than their emotions – better emotion recognition helps you read between the lines. This will help to develop meaningful relationships that will provide support when needed. Try smiling at people to increase positive engagement.